With a mission to influence at-­‐risk youth by encouraging their full potential through athletics and positive role models, Welker and his Foundation have been providing support to Oklahoma City Public Schools coaches and student-­‐athletes since 2006. A critical partner to Fields & Futures and OKCPS athletics, the Wes Welker Foundation has paved the way for others to follow.

“Wes and his Foundation inspired the creation of Fields & Futures,” said Tim McLaughlin, founder of Fields & Futures. Tim and his wife, Liz, joined Wes and his foundation for a tour of OKCPS athletic facilities in late2011, seeing firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing the state’s largest school district. It was during that tour they met Keith Sinor, OKCPS District Director of Athletics and heard his vision for rebuilding the district’s athletics program, to help put more students on a better path to graduation. Says McLaughlin, “It starts with having a quality field – a safe place to play, where kids can find ateam and learn important life lessons through sports.”

Fields & Futures builds the fields and the Welker Foundation donates the field equipment. “Their impact is felt every day by the coaches and kids benefiting from those gifts,” McLaughlin said.

The award presentation was sponsored by the Inasmuch Foundation. “Committed partners help bring the vision to life by donating time, treasure and talent to do this important work effectively with a great sense of urgency,” said Sarah Roberts, Inasmuch Senior Program Officer.

The award is presented annually as a way to recognize and thank Fields & Futures partners for their contributions, and is named the “Tommy Noble Fields & Futures Linking Arms Partner Award” in honor of its first recipient, Tommy Noble, co-­‐owner of Cimarron Construction.

A standout football player at Heritage Hall and Texas Tech University, Welker played for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams. Says McLaughlin, “Wes is a game changer wherever he goes. His commitment to give back and help OKC students find their way through sports inspires us all to do more, work harder and go faster.”